Jaguars vs. Colts: 3 defensive battles to watch

After taking a look at some key offensive matchups for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ and Indianapolis Colts’ Week 10 matchup earlier this week, it’s now time to look at the defensive side. Here are some matchups we feel could dictate the game as the Jags try to cool down the Colts’ red-hot offense:

CB Jalen Ramsey vs. WR T.Y. Hilton

As always, the matchup between Jalen Ramsey and T.Y. Hilton will be crucial for both teams. And though Hilton hasn’t lit up the stat sheets this season in terms of yards, he does have four touchdowns to his name this season. That said, he’s a player the Jags must be aware of at all times, especially in the red zone and near it.

Last season, Jalen Ramsey was extremely successful against the Colts in both meetings. In their first meeting in 2017, he put up a Pro Football Focus score of 85.1 against the Colts and only allowed four receptions (out of seven attempts) for 38 yards. In their second matchup, he posted a score of 88.7 via PFF and was able to amass five tackles, an interception and two passes defensed.

Considering all of the above, it will be interesting to watch him when on Hilton, because when he isn’t the Colts may look to capitalize on the opportunity as A.J. Bouye won’t be on the opposite side of Ramsey this week due to injury.

DL Calais Campbell vs. OT Braden Smith

Braden Smith is a name many Jags fans may remember from the draft as we mocked him to the Jags (as a guard) on several occasions during the offseason. However, due to injuries and the retirement of Jack Mewhort, he’s had to kick to the right tackle position since joining the Colts and has been good throughout the process. That means he’ll often see snaps against one of the Jags’ top players in Calais Campbell.

Smith will enter Week 10 with a PFF grade of 73.1, however, that could change soon as Campbell is a two-time All-Pro with unreal strength. On top of that, Campbell will enter Sunday’s game with one of the highest PFF grades (84.4) on the Jags’ defense, and his experience alone should give him the edge over the rookie, who has been a key figure in Andrew Luck’s success as a passer.

LB Telvin Smith vs. RB Marlon Mack

Simply put, they both are spark plugs for their respective units. Telvin Smith is the Jags’ most active tackler (leads the team with 65), while Marlon Mack leads the Colts in rushing with 66 carries for 381 yards and three touchdowns. And while those aren’t crazy figures for the second-year veteran, it’s all about how he’s acquired those yards that makes him dangerous as he has the second-highest yards after contact average (3.2) in the league. Only Melvin Gordon’s average of 3.7 is better.

All that in mind, Mack’s success means the Jags have to clamp down on the run, which is far from one of their strengths being that they are ranked 24th in the category. Additionally, Smith, who is destined to see Mack on various occasions, must lead the charge by wrapping up the young tailback upon initial contact, which should allow his comrades to come in and finish the deal.

Email

Like this article?

Sign up for the Jaguars Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning

An error has occured

Please re-enter your email address.

Thanks for signing up!

You'll now receive the top Jaguars Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.